Shiv Sena softens stand, says ready to back any CM who works for Maharashtra

Mumbai: Further softening its stand after BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Maharashtra assembly polls, the Shiv Sena on Monday said that it is ready to support any leader chosen by its estranged ally as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

"On the day of Laxmi Pooja, (Devendra) Fadnavis met (Nitin) Gadkari and took his blessings. Later Gadkari met the RSS chief and took his blessings. All these blessings are undoubtedly important, but the blessings of the people are the most important. Shiv Sena is ready to support anyone who will take Maharashtra ahead with the blessings of the people," Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'. The party says that though Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has the experience to don the mantle in the state, the final decision will be taken by the high command in Delhi.

"The final decision (over the CM's name) will be taken by the high command in Delhi, hence no point for the state leaders to think over this. Gadkari is well versed with the state and hence has a development vision for Maharashtra. On the other hand ,Fadnavis does not have the experience of being involved in governance," the party organ said.

We are happy that the BJP won the elections and rooted the corrupt Congress and the NCP out of power. The state will benefit from the oust of both these parties, it added.

BJP's central observers Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and J P Nadda will attend the legislature party meet in Mumbai tomorrow and elect the next Chief Minister of the state.

With no concrete talks having taken place between the BJP and the Sena over the allocation of portfolios, the Sena will have to wait for further clarity until the legislature party meet.